"Indeed I also count all things as loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord..." Philippians 3:8

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Jesus the Tree-hugger?

Just wanted to pass along an interesting blogpost written by Dr. Albert Mohler, the president of Southern Seminary where Adam is a student.

The post is entitled When Ecology Replaces Theology. In it Mohler discusses the recent observations of a British sociologist who "suggests that some religious institutions are 'busy reinventing themselves by promoting ecological virtues and preaching against the eco-sins of polluters.'"

The cursing of the fig tree is really a condemnation of the temple and is not directed at the earth or the environment. The Bible bears witness to the creative acts of God both past and present and invites our good stewardship. I don't get why Christians can't love both God and the world that God created. John 3:16 says "for God so loved the world..." and then goes on to speak of salvation in Christ. It seems risky to assume that God is interested only in saving humans. We are instruments through which God works, and God is working to save the whole creation. The end of Revelation with the river of life flowing out from the throne of God in this world affirms that message.